You may not know this, but vegetable glycerine is an additive commonly found in popular food products, skincare products, and even some medications. But what exactly is it? Is it safe to use? Does it have side effects that you need to be aware of?
Of course, it’s easy to simply accept the ingredients put into our foods or cosmetic products, but knowing what those ingredients do can help you use these items properly and avoid any side effects they may have. So, with that in mind, here is what you need to know about vegetable glycerine.
What is vegetable glycerine?
Before we discuss vegetable glycerin, we need to take a quick look at what it is. Also known as glycerol or glycerine, glycerine is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol compound found in animals and plants. Usually, this compound is synthetically produced. With vegetable glycerine, some of the most common sources are vegetable oils, fats, such as soy, palm oil, and coconut oil.
Vegetable glycerine is sourced from these foods through a chemical process known as saponification. This involves heating the oils under pressure with an alcohol or alkaline solution. As it heats, the glycerine splits from the fatty acids, allowing the manufacturers to extract the odourless, sweet syrup we know as vegetable glycerine.
Uses for vegetable glycerine
You’ll find glycerine being used in various industrial applications for its versatility. It’s often found in many cosmetics, like skincare and oral hygiene products. Studies indicate that it’s one of the third-most-used ingredients in these products. In addition to cosmetics, glycerine is also found in food as a preservative or a sweetener in food and drinks.
In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerine is often used as a lubricant or humectant in medications such as ointments, cough syrups, expectorants, and anesthetics. Some lozenges also use glycerine.
The potential benefits of vegetable glycerine
Glycerine clearly has some benefits; otherwise, why would it be used in so many products worldwide? Here are some of the major benefits of glycerine for you:
Skin health
Glycerine is a popular ingredient in skincare, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a humectant, meaning it helps your skin draw in and retain moisture. It sinks into the outer layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, to deeply hydrate and smooth. Studies suggest glycerine helps with dry skin and supports your skin’s natural barrier, which keeps out irritants and locks in moisture.
Some research even points to possible anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant effects. That’s why you’ll find it in many creams, lotions, and moisturisers; it’s gentle, effective, and works for most skin types.
Athletic performance
Some early research suggests glycerine might help athletes stay better hydrated. It works by helping the body retain water and reducing urine output, which can be useful during long workouts or hot conditions. One study found that glycerine mixed with creatine may even reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system during endurance sports.
Another small study showed that it might be better for rehydration than water or sports drinks. However, it’s not all upside. Glycerine can cause temporary weight gain due to fluid retention. While it’s not a magic performance booster, it may be a helpful hydration aid for serious athletes.
Alleviating constipation
Glycerine can also help with constipation, especially when used as a suppository. When taken rectally, it acts as a mild laxative by drawing water into the stool and softening it, making it easier to pass. It also helps lubricate the rectum and encourages bowel muscles to contract more effectively.
This makes glycerine a popular option for quick relief from occasional constipation. It’s often recommended for children and adults because it’s gentle and works fast. Just remember, it’s not meant for long-term use, and you should talk to a doctor if constipation becomes a regular issue.
The potential side effects of vegetable glycerin
Glycerine would typically be considered safe in most situations, but there are some cases where it may cause side effects that you should be aware of, like:
- Nausea
- A mild headache
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Where can you get quality vegetable glycerin from?
Now that you know more about vegetable glycerine, if you’re looking to purchase some for your own products, you want to ensure you’re buying something of high quality. Universal Flavours offers bulk orders of pharmaceutical-grade vegetable glycerine and so much more.
Final thoughts
With vegetable glycerine being in so many products nowadays, you may already be using it. However, now that you know what it is and what it does, you can look for it on ingredient lists, and if you choose, you can look for items that either have it or don’t; the decision is yours.
